Six steps to a successful side-gig

Financial adviser, Brittany Fisher created the following short article with tips on how to improve artist’s overall financial outlook from supplementing W2 income through a side gig to selling artwork online to saving at tax time. If you’d like to hear more, contact Brittany Fisher directly at Financiallywell.info or brittany@financiallywell.info

“If you’re an artist, you may be looking for some ways to supplement your income. The good news is that you don’t need a full-time job to make extra money these days. More and more people are turning to side gigs to make the money they need. Here’s how you can get started.

Time Management Is Your Best Friend

Balancing art with a side gig can be tricky. Art definitely takes discipline, but you may be used to being a little more flexible with your time. With a side gig, you don’t have to give that flexibility up, but you do need to know how to properly manage your time. Task management apps may be your best bet for getting all your work done. Plan out your daily schedule, and make sure you still leave enough time to be creative and work on your art. If business really picks up, think about hiring people to help with routine tasks such as laundry or cleaning.

You Need Dedicated, Comfortable Work Spaces

A studio is essential in order to focus on your art. You may be tempted to work on your side gig from your studio, but this isn’t the best idea. You’re more likely to get distracted by your art, taking time away from both ventures. Just as a studio allows you to dive into your creativity, a home office helps you focus on your side gig. Find a corner of your home where you can set up some essential side-gig supplies. Clear this space of any clutter, and make sure you’re comfortable (cozy chairs help with this). Add some organization tools, such as whiteboards and calendars, to keep yourself on task.

Tackle One Task at a Time

Sometimes, your art and side-gig deadlines may collide. It may seem smart to multitask, but this won’t make the work go by quicker. In fact, people are pretty lousy when it comes to multitasking. Work on one project at a time to stay productive and churn out work that is still of good quality. If you have deadlines approaching, split your days into two parts: art time and side-gig time. Stick to the schedule and try not to think about other tasks you need to finish.

Budgets May Need Adjustment

Unlike part-time jobs, side gigs don’t always come with a steady paycheck. You may have slow periods and you may have times when the money is flowing in. Either way, it’s good to prepare for any financial possibility. Build a budget that still allows you to pick up supplies and allot time to your art. Start saving as soon as you can so you’ll be prepared if things get tough. A good rule of thumb is to have three months of living expenses, so try to make this your savings goal.

Commitment Isn’t Always Fun

A side gig should be just that: a flexible job that still allows you to be an artist. Don’t accept every job that comes your way if it means filling up all of your time. Know how to politely say “no” to a potential client, or compromise on an assignment. Don’t max out your schedule, with art or your new gig, and make sure you’re still getting enough sleep. You need sleep to keep your mind fresh and your body strong enough to tackle all the tasks ahead of you.

You Still Need Time for You

With a bustling side gig and a busy studio schedule, it can be tough to find time for a break. But you need to decompress to continue to feel your best. So schedule some time to yourself on a regular basis. Take an afternoon to hike your favorite trail, stroll your local growers market, or simply take a morning to do nothing. You’ve earned a little peace in your life, so take advantage of whatever downtime you can find.

A side gig is a good way to generate income while you’re still working on your art. Just be sure to take on only what you can, and enjoy each moment as it comes. Best wishes for success in your art and your new side-gig adventures!

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Raziah Roushan has been making her mark on the American public as a professional artist and arts advocate. For over fifteen years, Roushan has been working as a professional artist in mediums such as oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, aerosol, printmaking, as well murals, large-scale chalk art, light construction and installation. Learn more.